I've just finished my 1st year at the University of Houston and am entering my 2nd year in the Fall. I've been drawing all my life and would like to someday be able to make a living out of it. I'm really interested in becoming an animator, comic book artist and etc. Right now, I'm thinking of declaring my major in graphic communications but really want to switch over to a major in illustrations (which the University doesn't have).So, after completing my upcoming semester I'd like to transfer to another school with my desired major and take online classes, if possible.

I've been looking at different schools (ex. AAU, Ai etc.) but the overall costs are more than that of my current school. I don't want my mom to have to keep paying for my studies but really don't want to get a degree in something I won't find useful.

I'm been thinking about staying in Houston with relatives, so I can find a good job and take my classes online during my free time. I could try and earn enough money to offset some of the cost, in assistance to my Pale grants, FASFA and other financial aids. This is just a rough draft plan, though.

What should I do?Would experience graphic communications be helpful in my transference to an illustration major?Are there any good schools out there with an illustrations major and sensible fees yall know about?

My advice would be to get a degree in a field that is more marketable than illustration. Graphic Communication is. Stay with it. You do not need a degree in illustration to be an illustrator. You need a good portfolio.

Totally agree with Singular. Get your degreeto have something to fall back upon but don't go intohock over the whole thing. Meanwhile, get that portfolio together.Sounds like you're young and trying to find your way.You have a lot to chew on and I hope I've helped you - main thingis, don't let yourself get overwhelmed - put one foot in front of the other, OK?'Best, E

Singular wrote:My advice would be to get a degree in a field that is more marketable than illustration. Graphic Communication is. Stay with it. You do not need a degree in illustration to be an illustrator. You need a good portfolio.